35498 items
Special Collections
Member Zone
Log in
Log in to see your rewards

Log in or create a free account
to see your current rewards, artisan impact level and shipping discounts.
The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts


Absolutely! Jewelry is an art form that allows makers to express their individuality and cultural influences, and certain designs are used to represent important symbols. For example, Central American artisans incorporate traditional figures, glyphs, and pre-Hispanic folklore. In Mexico, the famous work of artists Angel Ortiz, Maria Belen Nilson, and Rosa Rojo highlight the beauty of Aztec, Mayan and Teotihuacan civilizations. In Peru, powerful symbols, like the Andean chakana, are used to represent humanitys union with the cosmos. Indian artists are extremely tied to their faith and spirituality. Earring designs include chakra gemstones, motifs of Lord Ganesha, and other spiritual imagery. In Bali, the Om symbol is prevalent, as well as the mythological panther-like Barong image, which is seen as a protector spirit. Designs pulled from the natural world, like animal figures, feathers, plants, as well as stones, are used in almost every culture, which then infuses them with their own particular meanings.


Yes! We offer a wide selection of earrings that are made from eco-friendly materials. Cow bone, water buffalo horn, fabric, recycled paper, wood, palm leaf and coconut shells, just to name a few. Product descriptions always list materials used, so be sure to read about each product to discover how artisans are working to ensure sustainability and environmental consciousness.


There is no best when it comes to handmade earrings. However, certain materials lend themselves well to jewelry. Silver and gold, for example, are frequently used to make earrings because of their luster and shine. Each region puts its own unique touch on the art of earring-making. Most use some combination of silver, gold, gemstones, wooden or glass beads, and bones. Some regions, like West Africa, have found ways to introduce up-cycling into the jewelry-making process. Recycled plastic and paper beads, as well as coconut shells are commonly integrated into beautiful works of earring art. Whatever materials used, quality and safety are always our top priorities. Each pair of earrings is tested to ensure its safety. If you do have sensitive skin, you may consider rhodium plated earrings, as rhodium is completely hypoallergenic. You can always find all relevant information about materials in the product description.


More than a mere fashion statement, mens jewelry, including bracelets, have been worn throughout history to communicate cultural, religious, and social beliefs. Prehistoric man adorned his wrists with bones and shells to ward off evil spirits. Wealthy men wore bracelets made of gold and silver to display their power and status. Bracelets evolved over time from good luck charms to status symbols to modern style accessories. All the while, they pick up and preserve meaning from the past. In Peru, gold and silver bracelets were meant to complement each other symbolically. Gold represented the sun, the day, and the masculine. Silver represented the moon, the night, and the feminine. These two bright, powerful metals held one another in balance. In Central America, natural materials decorated mens jewelry to signify a connection to place. Metals, bone, shells, bird feathers (especially the beautiful quetzal bird), and carved stones (particularly jade for its power of fertility and life) protected and decorated the wearer.


Global artisans use all sorts of materials in their handcrafted jewelry for men. In the Andes, sterling silver, leather, and combinations of natural stones are frequently used. In Bali, silver, gold, bone, wood, brass, and stainless copper adorn handmade jewelry. In West Africa, mens jewelry honors the cow, where bone and horns are incorporated into unique pieces.


Excellent question! There is no simple test that can tell you whether an artisan hand-crafted your jewelry or not. No easy way to know if an item is handmade or factory-produced. But there are details that you can look out for, and hopefully a discerning eye will guide you right. First, look at materials. If a bracelet is made of leather with embossed detailing, or sterling silver with intricate carvings or stone settings, you are entering the realm of the handmade. If a bracelet is made from bone, or makes use of complicated beadwork, if there is evidence of welding or carving, then you can feel good about your purchase. Any true artisan will tell you: no two pieces of jewelry will come out identical if they are made by hand. Beware of sameness. Celebrate the idiosyncrasies of the artists hand and help preserve the techniques and traditions of the past.


The materials that comprise handmade artisan necklaces are as varied as the makers themselves. Craftspeople all over the world use metals, like sterling silver, gold, copper and brass, to perfect their designs. Cotton or nylon cord and leather are also common materials used in traditional mens jewelry. Wooden beads, cow bones, coconut shells, bamboo, and gemstones all adorn mens necklaces from across the globe.


Unique, stylish, and handcrafted. These are the guiding principles of wearing mens jewelry with confidence. There are no rules when it comes to mens bracelets. You can wear simple leather, or a combination of metals. You can go understated or bold. Colorful or subdued. However you choose to display your handmade jewelry, what matters most is that you discover pieces that attest to your own originality.


Many traditional artisans employ the handcrafted techniques of their ancestors, which favored a slow, methodical approach in a small workshop, as opposed to mass production. Today, they preserve these methodologies while intentionally distinguishing their approaches from those of large factories. Respect for the environment, and for animal and human life drive the artwork itself. Natural materials are often a sign that a product is eco-friendly. Additionally, many artisans look for ways to reuse or recycle in their artwork. Some choose to repurpose old wood or fabric. Some recycle glass beads or up-cycle plastic and discarded paper. Others follow practices that conserve resources, like water and energy, and are mindful of the pollutants they release into the environment. Shopping from organizations that promote eco-friendly products is the best way to ensure that you are receiving a unique item that does not damage the world through its making.


Handcrafted mens jewelry captures our undying passion for symbols and meaning through a variety of designs, emblems, and carvings. In ancient Peru, men wore necklaces adorned with pendants of human, animal, and divine characters. A common symbol that has withstood the test of time is the Andean Chakana, or the staggered cross, that attests to the relationship between humankind and the cosmos. In Bali, mens jewelry integrated the cross, the sign of freedom, and Ongkara symbol for oneness and spirituality. In Central America, carved glyphs were commonly used. Animal figures and bird feathers (like the quetzal and macaw) had special significance, as did natural stones. In India, Om and Ganesha symbols are used for protection, prosperity and purity. In West Africa, Gye nyame, symbolizing Gods deep power and infinite knowledge, is still used on necklaces.

Six Cool Facts About Handmade Earrings
Sterling Silver Vine Half-Hoop Earrings "Garden Waves" Earrings are one of our oldest forms of jewelry, used to signal status, rank, and function, as well as for ornamentation. Today, we may forget the rich history and meaning behind some of... read more
Featured Reviews on Jewelry
Sterling silver band ring, 'Intaglio Curls'





By Jadwyn
Perfect Thumb Ring!
I ve always liked the look of thumb rings. But every time I ve tried to wear one, it has become a nuisance because it s either too wide and becomes uncomfortable and makes it hard to wash your hands or it just looks plain stupid (in my opinion of my own thumb ??). This one is perfectly dainty but still able to stand on its own and look great! I ve seen picks of it stacked and it looks rad as well! Definitely recommend this ring-especially if you are looking for a thumb ring! I get compliments all the time, too???? And it helps a GREAT cause!
Gold accented sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Droplet Frames'





By Daphne
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL
The picture does not do the earrings justice. They are absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! I am very happy with this purchase!
Sterling silver and bone cocktail ring, 'Intricate Majesty'





By Neri
Beautiful and Regal, new favorite
I have been looking for the special ring for some time, I finally found it. The design is beautiful, the bone engraving in the center delicate and gorgeous. I like the idea of it been made out of bone, and its symbolism. I am an avid collector of jewels especially rings, this is one of my favorite in my collection of 25+ years. Thank you so much for this piece
Featured Artist
Neeru Goel Sterling silver and gemstone jewelry
"Collecting jewelry and gemstones has been my passion ever since childhood."
The artistry of Neeru Goel has been featured in Depth magazine.
Related Articles
Hope Shines Bright for the New Year
In a year filled with uncertainty, heartache, and change, we find reason to celebrate every small moment of... read more
Indian Artisans Celebrate Peace and Truth in Trying Times
Mahatma Gandhi. Photo Courtesy: Instagram/@history.guider "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as... read more
To the Class of 2020: Gifts for the Graduate in your Life
Life right now is looking pretty different than anything we could have imagined. COVID-19 has impacted our... read more
Colors that Complement: Matching and Accenting
Silk scarf, "Blue Thai Maze" When selecting an outfit there are a few rules of thumb that can help... read more
One Man’s Incredible Journey: The Life of Jewelry Artisan, Wilder Paredes
Great talent has always been something of a mystery. Mozart published his first piece of music when he was... read more
Practical and Versatile: Stud Earrings for Everyone and Every Occasion
'Precious Gardenia' Gold Plated Silver Stud Earrings Floral Shapes from Peru Stud earrings have to be one of... read more
About Handcrafted Jewelry
Men and women have adorned themselves with jewelry since long before the age of reason! Garlands of flowers, bracelets of woven grass, shells, and stone; such were the first decorations to beautify the human body. We may have been wearing jewelry as far back as 75,000 years ago - 30,000 years earlier than previously believed - according to a recent report by National Geographic News. Over the millennia, jewelry styles and materials have evolved in step with the advances of civilization. From the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, from the Iron Age to the Industrial Revolution (and seemingly back again!), jewelry styles have transformed, modernized, and then often returned to their most basic forms and essential elements.
Tips and Resources
- Selecting handcrafted jewelry
- Handmade jewelry wearing and pairing tips
- The caring and cleaning of handcrafted jewelry
- Healing and spiritual beliefs: Gems, crystals, and magnetic jewelry
- Precious metals
- Beads & other materials
- Precious and semiprecious gems
- NOVICA's Handmade Jewelry Encyclopedia
- Jewelry on Wikipedia